Q: I just bought a house here and it’s really in need of remodeling.
It was built in the 60’s and it needs a lot of work. I’d like to incorporate some elements of “green” building into the remodel but don’t know where to start. Also, is that going to make it more expensive?
A: Funny you should ask. I am sponsoring a 10 week class on sustainable/green building and remodeling starting Thursday, March 1st. I’m bringing in an exciting group of speakers covering things like using recycled products and used building materials, designing for passive solar, “green” remodeling and sustainable landscaping. You can call my office to sign up.
Most people assume that doing a “green” project will cost more money. That isn’t true. Most “green” products are competitively priced, such as carpeting from recycled soda bottles and non-toxic paints. They are also beautiful and easy to use! What can make an impact on your project is time. Many contractors are too busy to take the extra time to locate appropriate used materials or shop for specifically recycled products. That’s where you can make the difference. If you’re willing to do some of the shopping, you can save yourself a lot of money and the contractor a lot of time.
I have a friend who built her entire house using recycled materials. It’s a stunning, dramatic home. She went to the stores that sell recycled products, as well as those that sell used building materials, and got some fantastic deals! She got marble, slate, granite, period fixtures, and top of the line appliances. Her house was made of Rastra, (a concrete form system, made from recycled plastics, that stays in place once the concrete is poured) and positioned her house for passive solar. She did it all on a budget.
I was recently awarded the EcoBroker designation from the National Association of Realtors. There are only 40 such EcoBrokers in the state of Washington. It is a rigorous course of study that I took on because I think it’s critical that we all wake up and realize that the old saying is still true: “waste not, want not."
A: Funny you should ask. I am sponsoring a 10 week class on sustainable/green building and remodeling starting Thursday, March 1st. I’m bringing in an exciting group of speakers covering things like using recycled products and used building materials, designing for passive solar, “green” remodeling and sustainable landscaping. You can call my office to sign up.
Most people assume that doing a “green” project will cost more money. That isn’t true. Most “green” products are competitively priced, such as carpeting from recycled soda bottles and non-toxic paints. They are also beautiful and easy to use! What can make an impact on your project is time. Many contractors are too busy to take the extra time to locate appropriate used materials or shop for specifically recycled products. That’s where you can make the difference. If you’re willing to do some of the shopping, you can save yourself a lot of money and the contractor a lot of time.
I have a friend who built her entire house using recycled materials. It’s a stunning, dramatic home. She went to the stores that sell recycled products, as well as those that sell used building materials, and got some fantastic deals! She got marble, slate, granite, period fixtures, and top of the line appliances. Her house was made of Rastra, (a concrete form system, made from recycled plastics, that stays in place once the concrete is poured) and positioned her house for passive solar. She did it all on a budget.
I was recently awarded the EcoBroker designation from the National Association of Realtors. There are only 40 such EcoBrokers in the state of Washington. It is a rigorous course of study that I took on because I think it’s critical that we all wake up and realize that the old saying is still true: “waste not, want not."
posted by Emma Amiad at
3:32 PM
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